日原渡船

Nihihara-Watari-bashi is a rigid-frame bridge spanning Lake Nakaumi between Matsue and Sakaiminato. It stands 44.7 meters high and 11.3 meters wide, carrying traffic across the water in a single long crossing.

Construction of this bridge started in 1997 and was completed in 2004, replacing an older drawbridge that frequently halted traffic. This new connection finally eliminated the transportation disruptions that had plagued the area before.

The bridge connects the distinct regions of Shimane and Tottori prefectures, facilitating the movement of people and goods between these two cultural areas.

Cars and trucks can cross the bridge with manageable grades of 6.1 percent on the Shimane side and 5.1 percent on the Tottori side. Ships can pass underneath without any traffic stoppages, making it a smooth crossing for both water and vehicle traffic.

This structure is the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and ranks as the third biggest of its type in the world. Its scale and engineering make it a noteworthy accomplishment in bridge design.